DEA AND ITS PARTNERS REMOVE MORE THAN 670,000 POUNDS OF UNUSED MEDICATIONS FROM COMMUNITIES NATIONWIDE

The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is an initiative organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies across the country to provide a safe and convenient way for individuals to dispose of their unused or expired prescription medications. The event aims to prevent drug addiction and misuse by removing potentially dangerous medicines from homes and keeping them out of the wrong hands.

On April 27, 2024, the 26th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day took place, and the results were impressive. Nationwide, a total of 670,136 pounds (335.06 tons) of unused medications were collected. This represents a significant amount of potentially harmful substances that have been safely disposed of and kept away from being misused or diverted.

In the San Diego and Imperial Counties region, the DEA San Diego Field Division oversaw the collection process at 29 designated locations. A total of 4,721 pounds of drugs were collected during this event. Among these, San Diego County contributed with a substantial amount of 3,668 pounds, while Imperial County added 120 pounds to the total. It is important to note that this figure does not include the 1,141 pounds collected through year-round drop boxes that are available in the area.

The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is just one of the many efforts by the DEA and its partners to address the issue of prescription drug abuse and misuse. By providing a convenient and secure way for individuals to dispose of their unused medications, the program helps reduce the risk of accidental ingestion, theft, and misuse of these substances. Additionally, it contributes to the overall goal of reducing the number of prescription drugs that end up in the environment and contaminate water sources.

The success of the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is a testament to the commitment of the community to address the issue of prescription drug abuse and misuse. By participating in this event and disposing of their unused medications properly, individuals are taking a proactive step to protect themselves, their families, and their communities from the dangers of prescription drugs.

It is essential to remember that proper disposal of unused medications is crucial year-round. If you have unused prescription drugs at home and are unsure of how to dispose of them safely, you can check with your local law enforcement agency or pharmacy to find out about permanent drop boxes or other disposal options available in your area. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against prescription drug abuse and misuse.